Academy wing Paolo Odogwu has been named in the England Under-20s squad for the new season.Odogwu has made a big impact in the Leicester Tigers squad in pre-season, scoring a memorable try against Argentina in the Marcos Ayerza Testimonial Challenge and following up with further scores against Sale Sharks in the Kings of the North and in the match against Loughborough University at Welford Road.
The 32-man England squad will come together to prepare for the defence of their Six Nations title and to play in the World Rugby U20 Championship in Manchester.
Since its formation in 2007, the Under-20s have impressive record with 63 wins from 80 matches, including five Six Nations titles and an appearance in six of the eight World Championship Finals, lifting the trophy in 2013 and 2014.
Ian Peel will lead the side as head coach and said: “Naming a new squad each year is exciting. We have the season to help them improve individually but also the challenge of bringing the talent together and putting it into strong team performances come the Six Nations and then into the World Championship.
“Selection is getting harder each year because we have more young players to choose from as a result of all the work going on within the academies. Their under-18 league has had a positive effect with players regularly competing against tough opposition. The guys are nurtured well within their clubs, getting good opportunities on loan, in the A League or even in the first team.”
Andrew Kitchener, younger brother of Tigers second-row forward Graham, is included in the England squad.
England Under-20 Elite Player Squad 2016
Sam Aspland-Robinson (Harlequins)
Joshua Bainbridge (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Lewis Boyce (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Theo Brophy Clews (London Irish)
Callum Chick (Newcastle Falcons)
Andrew Kitchener (Worcester Warriors)
Max Malins (Saracens)
Harry Mallinder (Northampton Saints)
Joseph Marchant (Harlequins)
Jack Maunder (Exeter Chiefs)
Zach Mercer (Bath Rugby)
Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints)
Joe Mullis (Gloucester Rugby)
George Nott (Sale Sharks)
Paolo Odogwu (Leicester Tigers)
George Perkins (Saracens)
Jake Pope (Sale Sharks)
Taylor Prell (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Mathew Protheroe (Gloucester Rugby)
Will Safe (Gloucester Rugby)
Jamie Shillcock (Worcester Warriors)
Jack Singleton (Worcester Warriors)
Samuel Smith (Worcester Warriors)
Stanley South (Harlequins)
William Stuart (Wasps)
Huw Taylor (Worcester Warriors)
Oliver Thorley (Gloucester Rugby)
Billy Walker (Saracens)
Jack Walker (Yorkshire Carnegie)
Tom West (Wasps)
Archie White (Harlequins)
John Williams (London Irish)
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Odogwu named in Under-20s squad
14 October 2015 15:08
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